Large gorse fire prompts dry weather safety plea

The fire service said a large fire broke out in an area of gorse and grass

Fire crews have tackled a blaze across a large area of gorse and grass near Telford, prompting warnings to the public to take extra care during the current heatwave.

Four engines were sent to Woodside where crews on Tuesday afternoon used beaters and hose jets to fight flames on a space measuring 200 metres by 100 metres.

Earlier alerts to the fire service had included a blaze in trees and undergrowth thought to have been started by a discarded cigarette, and another alert over a campfire.

At Woodside, a specialist crew sent up a drone to check whether the fire had spread further afield, and to look for hotspots. Crews were at the scene from about 12:15 BST to 14:15 BST.

Crews tackled the fire by surrounding it, before they started damping down

Tweedale fire station manager Craig Jackson said firefighters surrounded the fire, before crews started damping down.

"We're asking the public not to take barbecues into the countryside," he said.

"Please be careful when disposing of glass bottles or cigarettes and please do not have bonfires during this dry period."

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said on social media: "Thanks to the hard work of all crews involved, today's fire was brought under control.

"We'd like to remind the public to take extra care during dry conditions — even small sparks can cause large fires.

"Please dispose of cigarettes responsibly and ensure campfires are fully extinguished before leaving."